The Absolute at Large

Science Fiction & Fantasy, Science Fiction, Fiction & Literature
Cover of the book The Absolute at Large by Karel Capek, Dover Publications
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Karel Capek ISBN: 9780486841380
Publisher: Dover Publications Publication: July 17, 2019
Imprint: Dover Publications Language: English
Author: Karel Capek
ISBN: 9780486841380
Publisher: Dover Publications
Publication: July 17, 2019
Imprint: Dover Publications
Language: English

"One of the genuine masterpieces of sci-fi." — R. D. Mullen

In this satirical and enduringly relevant work of science fiction, the acclaimed Czech author Karel Čapek offers a prescient fable of the benefits and dangers of atomic power. Originally published in 1922, the story is set in a then-futuristic Czechoslovakia of 1943, in which an inventor develops the Karburator, a device with the potential to provide abundant low-cost energy. But the reactor's exciting possibilities are shadowed by its dangerous side effect: instead of carbon dioxide, it emits the Absolute, a spiritual essence that inspires a powerful religious fervor. Greed triumphs over ethics as the inventor and his business partner proceed with mass production of the Karburator, resulting in simmering religious strife that ignites a world war.
Karel Čapek is best known for popularizing the term "robot" in his play R.U.R., a seminal work of science fiction in which the robots are metaphors for a world dehumanized by social organization and technology. He offers another strikingly foresighted vision in The Absolute at Large, written decades before global warming awareness yet predicting the catastrophic consequences of the unchecked pursuit of profit by business and industry.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

"One of the genuine masterpieces of sci-fi." — R. D. Mullen

In this satirical and enduringly relevant work of science fiction, the acclaimed Czech author Karel Čapek offers a prescient fable of the benefits and dangers of atomic power. Originally published in 1922, the story is set in a then-futuristic Czechoslovakia of 1943, in which an inventor develops the Karburator, a device with the potential to provide abundant low-cost energy. But the reactor's exciting possibilities are shadowed by its dangerous side effect: instead of carbon dioxide, it emits the Absolute, a spiritual essence that inspires a powerful religious fervor. Greed triumphs over ethics as the inventor and his business partner proceed with mass production of the Karburator, resulting in simmering religious strife that ignites a world war.
Karel Čapek is best known for popularizing the term "robot" in his play R.U.R., a seminal work of science fiction in which the robots are metaphors for a world dehumanized by social organization and technology. He offers another strikingly foresighted vision in The Absolute at Large, written decades before global warming awareness yet predicting the catastrophic consequences of the unchecked pursuit of profit by business and industry.

More books from Dover Publications

Cover of the book Elementary Turkish by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Introduction to the Theory of Sets by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Mother West Wind's Neighbors by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Cold Steel by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Mahan on Naval Warfare by Karel Capek
Cover of the book The Pearl and the Pumpkin by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Five Great Short Stories by Karel Capek
Cover of the book The Whole Craft of Spinning by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Japanese Love Poems by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Salome by Karel Capek
Cover of the book The Immortal Games of Capablanca by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Easy-to-Do Magic Tricks for Children by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Bagatelles, Rondos and Other Shorter Works for Piano by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Through Hell with Hiprah Hunt by Karel Capek
Cover of the book Sign of the Labrys by Karel Capek
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy